I went on my run around RISD campus this morning to sort of clear up my mind. By doing so I tend to remember things I’ve long forgotten. For instance the name “Adrian Forty” popped into my mind as I began to think about the history of design. And then I recalled his book, Objects of Desire, as being one of the first texts I encountered on the field of design.

Forty successfully positioned the seductive aspects of design in the consumer market of the 20th century. But given what I encounter on a daily basis with students and faculty on campus, as well as the many entrepreneurs and change agents around the globe, the idea of “design” in the 21st century is *very* different from the last century.

My opinion may change later, but I have a quick thought for today. In the 20th century, design was about beautiful objects. In the 21st century, design is about beautiful change. Seek significant and meaningful change in something today, and make the world more beautiful in the deepest way possible. Thanks, -JM